RCM-1 Small Molecule Inhibits FOXM1 Nuclear Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cancer treatments are inadequate for effectively managing cancers characterized by increased expression of the FOXM1 gene, particularly in solid tumors, which are prevalent and associated with poor prognosis and high incidence rates.

Innovation Solution

The development of RCM-1, a small molecule compound that specifically inhibits FOXM1 by reducing its nuclear localization and promoting its ubiquitination and degradation, thereby inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis in various cancer types, including adenocarcinoma, melanoma, and lung adenocarcinoma.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current cancer treatments are used, then general cancer management is provided, but they are inadequate for effectively managing cancers characterized by increased expression of the FOXM1 gene

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of cancer treatmentVSAvoidspecificity to FOXM1-overexpressing cancers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments cancer treatment by identifying and targeting the specific molecular marker FOXM1 that is overexpressed in certain cancer types. Instead of using general cancer treatments, the invention divides the therapeutic approach into targeted interventions that specifically address FOXM1-driven cancer pathways, thereby improving effectiveness for this specific subset of cancers while maintaining the option for general treatments in other cases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by designing treatments with specific molecular targets (FOXM1 protein and its downstream effects) rather than broad-spectrum approaches. The compound RC1 and its derivatives are structured to specifically interact with FOXM1-overexpressing cancer cells, providing localized therapeutic action at the molecular level within the cancer cell nucleus where FOXM1 functions as a transcription factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If RCM-1 is used to specifically inhibit FOXM1, then tumor cell proliferation is inhibited and apoptosis is increased, but the compound must selectively target FOXM1 without affecting normal cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinhibition of tumor cell proliferationVSAvoidtoxicity to normal cells
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by designing compounds that specifically recognize and bind to FOXM1 before it can carry out its pro-proliferative functions. The RC1 compound and its derivatives are structured to preemptively inhibit FOXM1 transcriptional activity, preventing the expression of downstream genes that drive cell proliferation and survival, thereby stopping cancer progression before it accelerates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses small molecule compounds (RC1 and its derivatives) as intermediaries that mediate the inhibition between the therapeutic goal and the FOXM1 target. These compounds act as molecular mediators that translate the therapeutic intent into specific biochemical interactions with FOXM1, enabling selective inhibition in cancer cells while sparing normal cells that do not overexpress FOXM1.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If RCM-1 promotes ubiquitination and degradation of FOXM1, then nuclear localization of FOXM1 is reduced, but the mechanism must be sufficiently potent to achieve therapeutic effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereduction of FOXM1 nuclear localizationVSAvoidpotency of degradation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical structure of RC1 to create a series of derivatives with optimized potency and selectivity. By systematically varying molecular parameters (such as substituent groups on the pyridine ring), the invention fine-tunes the compounds' ability to induce FOXM1 ubiquitination and degradation, achieving sufficient therapeutic effect while minimizing off-target effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

RCM-1 effectively decreases tumor growth, inhibits cellular proliferation, and increases apoptosis in cancer cells, demonstrating potential as a novel therapeutic approach for FOXM1-overexpressing cancers, including those with RAS mutations, by targeting the FOXM1 protein directly.

Implementation Method 1

RCM-1, a small molecule compound that specifically inhibits FOXM1 by reducing its nuclear localization and promoting its ubiquitination and degradation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUbiquitination:

Data Source

PatentUS11026933B2Compositions and methods for treatment of cancer
Publication Date: 2021.06.08 CHILDRENS HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENT CINCINNATI
  • US11026933B2 patent drawing
  • US11026933B2 patent drawing
  • US11026933B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are methods and compositions for the treatment of a proliferative disorder characterized by increased expression of the FOXM1 gene. Exemplary disorders include adenocarcinoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), head and neck squamous carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, colon carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma, anaplastic astrocytoma, glioblastoma, pancreatic carcinoma, gastric cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, lung cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, a brain cancer. Kits and articles of manufacture comprising compositions for such treatment are also disclosed.